interactive pipeline map

glossary of terms

Protecting and Enhancing the Environment

Natural gas offers clean, efficient energy. In a typical year, Iroquois transports enough natural gas to heat approximately 3.2 million homes, displacing the energy equivalent of more than 50 million barrels of oil, thereby reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions to the air by approximately 98,197 tons.

STAR Partner Best Management Practicesand Greenhouse Gas Reporting
Iroquois is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Natural Gas STAR program. STAR is a voluntary government /industry partnership designed by the EPA to accomplish environmental protection through cost-effective measures. Launched in 1993, the program encourages natural gas companies to adopt "Best Management Practices" that can reduce emissions of natural gas.

For example, our station control programming is designed to minimize the amount of natural gas released into the atmosphere when a station shutdown occurs, such as would occur for routine maintenance and repairs. And, Iroquois avoids the use of natural gas-powered turbine starters; employing emissions-free electric starters instead. As a STAR member, Iroquois annually submits a report that documents our voluntary emission reduction activities. Iroquois received the Transmission Partner of the Year award at EPA’s 2011 annual workshop.
The Partner of the Year award is based on emission reductions achieved during the prior reporting year by implementing a variety of Natural Gas STAR technologies and practices, and also considers positive reporting trends, internal corporate programs, outreach and education.

2011 Natural Gas STAR Awards
Transmission Partner of the Year and
15 Years Continuing Excellence

Best Available Control Technology
All of Iroquois' compressor station combustion turbines utilize “Best Available Control Technology”, which reduces nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 50 percent as compared with emissions associated with more conventional compressor station control technology. These emission reductions are proven and documented by periodic “stack testing” and agency reports.

Iroquois is also committed to preserving our environment by seeking ways to minimize intrusions, and to maximize protection, of our natural resources. Whether restoring a sensitive wetland, protecting sanctuaries for wildlife, or constructing nature trails, Iroquois recognizes that respect for the environment is an important part of who we are.

Wood Duck Initiative
Iroquois’ environmental initiatives enhance and protect the environment not only for the residents of our communities but also for all living creatures. For example, during mainline construction in the late 1980s, the crossing of the Hudson River resulted in the removal of trees in a fresh water wetland that served as a habitat for wood ducks. Iroquois replicated this habitat by building a pond in close proximity and installed eleven wood duck boxes. These boxes have since been moved to a nature preserve, which has proved to be a much better habitat. Iroquois continues to monitor these boxes yearly and we are pleased to see the population increasing.